PANDEF And IPOB Clash Over Alleged Inclusion Of Niger Delta In Biafra Agenda

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed on Wednesday over the alleged inclusion of Niger Delta communities in IPOB’s Biafran secessionist agenda.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, rejected any association with IPOB’s plans, reaffirming the region’s commitment to a united Nigeria built on equity and justice. Donyegha described IPOB’s inclusion of Niger Delta areas in its agenda as “provocative and insulting” to the region’s leaders and people.

“We, therefore, warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders and fathers by claiming Niger Delta towns or territories as part of Biafra will meet strong resistance from us, the youths. Niger Delta is not Biafra,” he declared.

Donyegha reiterated PANDEF’s advocacy for a restructured Nigeria under a federal system, where states have control over their resources while contributing taxes to the Federal Government. “We believe in the unity of Nigeria, but it must be a Nigeria where sub-national entities control their God-given resources while supporting the centre with taxes for territorial integrity and foreign diplomacy,” he added.

IPOB Responds

In response, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful dismissed PANDEF’s concerns as “garbage,” asserting that IPOB does not force any community to join its secessionist cause. He attributed the allegations to misinformation propagated by a splinter group known as the “Finland autopilot group.”

“IPOB is not part of the group forcing any community in Nigeria to join Biafra State. Those doing so in the name of Biafra are content creators from Finland autopilot group, and they are not part of IPOB,” Powerful clarified.

He emphasized IPOB’s commitment to achieving independence through peaceful means, including a referendum where communities can freely decide their allegiance. “When referendum comes, people decide what they want; nobody will force them into the new nation called Biafra,” he said.

Powerful also urged media outlets and groups to stop associating IPOB with fringe elements, reaffirming that IPOB remains committed to its original goals. “Every tribe and clan will have the freedom to decide their fate during the referendum. IPOB will not shift ground until Biafra independence is fully announced by the United Nations,” he asserted.

Unity Amid Differences

The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between pro-Biafra agitators and regional stakeholders like PANDEF, who are focused on maintaining Nigeria’s unity while advocating for resource control and justice. While IPOB continues to push for secession, PANDEF’s stance reflects the Niger Delta’s preference for autonomy within a restructured federal framework.

The debate highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, where calls for self-determination coexist with demands for a more equitable federal system. Both groups, however, emphasize the importance of peaceful dialogue in resolving these differences.